Extension springs which absorb and store energy by offering resistance to a pulling force. Various types of ends are used to attach the extension spring to the source of the force.
Initial Tension
Most extension springs are wound with initial tension. This is internal force that holds the coils tightly together. The measure of the initial tension is the load necessary to overcome the internal force and just start coil separation. Unlike a compression spring, which has zero load at zero deflection, an extension spring can have a preload at zero deflection. This is graphically illustrated in Figure 1.
This built-in load, called initial tension, can be varied within limits, decreasing as the spring index increases. Figure 3 illustrates this fact. Note that there is a range of stress (and, therefore, force) for any spring index that can be held without problems. If the designer needs an extension spring with no initial tension, the spring should be designed with space between the coils.
Extension Spring Ends
The variety of ends that can be put on extension springs is limited only by the imagination and may include threaded inserts, reduced and expanded eyes on the side or in the center of the spring, extended loops, hooks or eyes at varying positions or distances from the body of the spring, and even rectangular or teardrop-shapes ends. (The end is a loop when the opening is less than one wire size; the end is a hook when the opening is greater than one wire size.) By far the most common, however, are the machine loop and crossover loop shown on Table 1. These ends are made with standard tools in one operation and should be specified whenever possible to minimize cost.
It should be remembered that as the space occupied by the machine loop is shortened, the transition radius is reduced and an appreciable stress concentration occurs. This contributes greatly to shortened spring life and premature failure.
Most extension spring failures occur in the area of the end. To maximize the life of the spring, the path of the wire should be smooth and gradual as it flows into the end. Tool marks and other stress concentrations should be held to a minimum. A minimum bend radius of 1 1/2 times the wire diameter is recommended.
In the past, many ends were made as a secondary operation. Today, with modern mechanical and computer-controlled machines, many ends can be made as part of the coiling operation. Due to the large variety of machines available for coiling and looping in one operation, it is recommended that the spring manufacturer be consulted before a design is concluded.
